KC’s Boulevard Brewing Company to join forces with Belgian firm
Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Company is joining forces with Belgian-based Duvel Moortgat, the companies announced in a news release.
The deal, which was signed this week, is expected to close before the end of the year. Both companies are privately held and terms will not be disclosed.
Boulevard’s base of operations will remain in Kansas City. The company said the deal will give Boulevard capital to expand its operations here.
“I think my employees trust me to do the right thing. I think I trust the Duvel people to do the right thing. So, really, I think we’re not talking about cutting any jobs. I think we’re talking about adding jobs,” said founder John McDonald.
Michel Moortgat, who came to Kansas City from Belgium to look at the facilities said he also didn’t expect much upheaval.
“To be very clear, we don’t want to change anything. This is a winning team, and never change a winning team,” he said.
McDonald, 60, will be a key player in the combined companies’ American operations. He said he’s been working on a deal like this for the past few years as he wanted to put the brewery in a position to grow for decades to come.
“I wanted to find a way to take the business to the next level while retaining its essence, its people, its personality — all the characteristics that make our beer and our brewery so important to Kansas City and the Midwest. Duvel Moortgat’s commitment to quality and independence, and their proven record helping breweries fulfill their potential, made this a perfect fit and an easy decision.”
He said he expects Boulevard to have a bright future.
“It’s a great time to be a brewer, really. You know, I’m more optimistic about our brewery doing this deal than I would be if we weren’t doing it. So, I’m fully committed,” he said.
At Ponak’s restaurant on Southwest Boulevard, bartender Jesse Panuco said he couldn’t believe the news. Ponak’s was Boulevard’s very first customer, buying the first keg in 1989.
Panuco said he couldn’t imagine Boulevard ever being owned by anyone else.
“None of my customers that were drinking it earlier said anything, so this is the first I’ve heard of it,” he said.
Gary Tony said he’s a longtime Boulevard fan and he’s not worried about the new ownership. He said he thinks McDonald made a smart decision.
“He’s probably looking for his retirement. I’m sure he cares enough about his business that he’s found a good, new owner for it,” Tony said.
